EVOC is probably best known for making bags for your body, or to put your bike inside, but now they’re expanding their line of bags that go on your bike. The brand has offered a few saddle packs in the past, but their new mini packs straddle the line between enduro and bikepacking.
To be offered in three different bags with two models, the Top Tube Pack S is meant, well for your top tube like many of the ‘gas tank’ bags out there. The zipper down the middle allows easy access when riding, and the bag features a wire port for charging electronics or stashing the battery pack for your headlight inside.
The Multi Frame Pack will be offered in S and M sizes which utilize four straps to mount in various places on your frame. All of the velcro straps can be repositioned to best fit your frame, and the bags are water resistant but not water proof.
Pricing is expected to run $40 for the Top Tube Pack S, $45 for the Multi Frame Pack S, and $50 for the Multi Frame Pack M.
Back to bags for your body, the new Race Belt is barely a bag at all. That’s because it’s designed for riders who are carrying their water elsewhere and just want to carry some essentials close to your body.
Equipped with a pump sleeve, three mesh rear pockets with velcro tabs, and two side zippered pockets, the Race Belt also includes an Aero Flex velcro waist belt for breathability. Available later this summer in blue or black for $45.
Over at Ortlieb it was all about bikepacking and all black. That’s because they are running a limited edition series of their Bikepacking series in all black. Only 500 of each Saddle Pack Large, Frame Pack Top Tube, and Handlebar Pack Small will be made using black zippers and a slightly different black fabric. They’re still fully waterproof and run the same price, so if you’d rather have all black than grey with orange accents, better act quick.
Ortlieb was also introducing another product aimed at bikepacking (or packrafting, canoeing/kayaking, snow sports, etc.), though this one goes on your back not your bike. Depending on your needs or setup, you won’t always be able to get all of your gear on your bike so Ortlieb has designed the Atrack BP which is completely waterproof to IP67 standards.
To get there, openings are kept to minimum but the construction allows the back to open at the middle of the back panel. This keeps the straps clean when you put the bag on the ground, and also allows for a cavernous opening that makes it easy to find your gear. There is a bit of internal organization with four zippered pockets, but mostly it’s a large void with 25 liters of total storage.
The padding system offers adjustability to fit different sized bodies, and the compression strap system keeps everything locked down and tight. There’s even a port for a hydration bladder hose, which can be sealed when not in use to preserve the waterproofing (and you can remove the hose without having to remove the bite valve). Doubling as a backpack or a duffel, this seems like a well thought out bag which will sell for $265 later this year.